500A 18.5" vs. 1100 Competition Master 22" for HOME defense use?

D

DHart

New member
I know that pumps are exceptionally reliable and that semi-autos can be very reliable, but how many of you semi-auto guys would choose a pump for defense reliability?

I have a 500A Persuader which functions flawlessly, but the allure of the fast-shooting semi-auto continues to call me... I'm just wondering if they can be considered AS reliable as a good pump is...

Been thinking about a Remington 1100 Competition Master, which is undoubtedly great for competition, but would it be equally suitable for defense?

My hesitation on that is the long barrel (22") on the 1100 CM will be less nimble for home defense (vs. the more compact size of the 18.5" barrel on the 500A) and concerns about whether the 1100 CM semi-auto is as utterly reliable as the 500A pump.

Your opinions?
 
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I have an 1100 that I've had for four years that has only FTF one time, on the first shot fired. Nonetheless, I would not use it for home defense, prefering to rely on my 500A for the sake of simplicity.

On the other hand, you NEED two shotguns, one for home defense and one for winning beer money at the trap range. Get one of those fiber optic front sights too.
 
No on the 590DA

You mentioned a 500A and a 18.5" 590A (not a Mossberg designation). I want to warn you off from the 590DA as it has an absolutely aweful trigger. Any other Mossberg 12-gauge will you just fine.
 
I have an 1100 Competition Master and can very honestly say that it is my absolute favorite firearm (I have about 15 guns). It has been 100% reliable...in fact, just the other day I fired about 250 rounds of slugs and buckshot without a hitch (slow fire, rapid fire and everything in between). I would not hesitate to use it for self defense...I think your chances of short stroking a pump is actually greater than the 1100 jamming.
 
I love my 500A 18.5" "Persuader" and won't be giving it up, but I would like to add an autoloader to my shotgun mix (Stoeger Coach gun 12 ga., Stoeger Uplander Double Barrel 12 ga., and the Mossy 500A 6-shot Persuader.)

The 1100 Comp Master sure looks appealing, except for the long 22" barrel, which I think would be a liability for in-house defense use. But for other purposes and outdoor use, I'm really liking what the 1100 Comp Master is all about!

CaCrusin.... I've never heard of a 590DA, but I am familiar with the 590A1. How does the "DA" differ from the 590A1?
 
The persuader is a fine gun. I see no need for anything else as long as you know how to use the persuader.

If you want a semi, that's fine for reducing recoil, but pumps are much faster than what people give them credit for. If you learn to use the pump well, you will have that second shot ready before you can even get back on target.

As for short stroking, I pull the slide back as soon as I pull the trigger, so the recoil actually helps open it....or rather slam it into the reciever. All you need to do at that point is push it forward.
 
590DA Differences

Mossberg was looking to get into the LE business in a big way so they figured that since most LE agaencies were using double-action handguns, a double-action shotgun might be just the ticket. They built the 590DA with an oversized trigger guard and a trigger pull that breaks at around 15 to 18 lbs after about a 1.25" long, gritty, and highly unpleasant travel. The only gun I have ever shot that had a worse trigger pull was a rusty busted down street sweeper that had not been maintained. Sales of this shotgun have not been the great success that Mossberg had hoped for. If you are lucky, the only one you will ever see is on their web page. You can't even change it back to the good trigger group. A total waste of aluminum and steel!
 
CaCruisin... I wasn't even aware of that model... and wouldn't have wanted it even if I had seen it. I agree... doesn't sound appealing at all.

The Benelli M2 looks pretty appealing... I'm giving it some consideration... may have to sell something else to get it though.... :rolleyes:
 
If you get the M2 keep it STOCK, the benelli doesn't like anything added or hung on it.

My old 1100 is a great gun. I have a friend using an 1100 CM in 3 gun competition and he really likes it, he also has a very trick worked 11-87 with every widget and doo-dad you can get that is getting very tired but gave good service.

I wouldn't hesitate to load up my 1100 and set it next to the bed, not even for a second. That said, I keep ready an 870 instead.
 
My CM does "nightstand duty" on occasion and is no less faithfull than my STI Edge or Clark Gator AR15 (then tend to argue over who gets the night shifts).

Keep your autos clean, maintain the springs and find the ammo they like. After that, the manually activated guns can't run with them.
 
At this point, I'm kicking around the M2 vs. an 11-87 Police. The price difference isn't an issue as I'm willing to pay more for a better gun.

I like the extra capacity of the 11-87, but I keep hearing the 11-87 needs much more attention to gas rings and such, whereas the M2 seems to be less needy in that regard. I think I may ask for comparison between these two in a separate thread.
 
I used to believe that the Benellis were better than the Remingtons...until I bought a Remington. Now, my Benellis collect dust and my Rem CM gets to do all the shooting. Benellis aren't perfect...in fact, if they are not held firmly, they can and will jam (I've done it with mine). A gas operated gun is going to cycle no matter what as long as it is clean...and I have to assume that anyone that keeps a SG for HD would be smart enough to keep it clean.

The only advantage to the Benellis (IMO) is the fact that they are easier to take apart and easier to clean...that's it.
 
Well... I've gone 'n' done it. Bought the NIB 1100 Competition Master on GoingBroker for $650. I had heard that this gun is no longer being produced and couldn't resist the only one I could find. At least it's still new in box, unfired. I'm going to try to find an 18" 1100 barrel to put on this gun for shorter-use purposes.

I have a feeling that there are still several more shotguns in my long term future (Benelli M4, Remington 11-87 Police, 870 Marine, Winchester Super X2 Practical)... I've got a serious shotty addiction brewing as I write this!
 
I have a feeling that there are still several more shotguns in my long term future (Benelli M4, Remington 11-87 Police, 870 Marine, Winchester Super X2 Practical)... I've got a serious shotty addiction brewing as I write this!
Click to expand...

You can't have too many shotguns... :)
 
Lycantrope... oh I have no intention of getting rid of the 22" barrel, I'd just like to have an 18"er also.

Any suggestions for good sources of barrels, mag tubes, and stocks for the 1100. I have an idea to put a youth stock and 18" barrel on the 1100 CM, not permanently, but just for fun.
 
I have both an older 1100 and older Mossberg. For sheer reliability I would take the Mossberg. I have had numerous FTF's on the 1100 which usually occur when the firing pin gets fouled from many, many rounds of trap loads. Could also occur from just sitting and waiting for that day you need it. Of course frequent cleaning is the cure. With the Mossberg, however it goes bang every time. Never a FTF. Also holds 8 rounds. I like the extra capacity.
 
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